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The Truth About Temptation

You may have it said that, “God won't give you anything you can’t handle." This saying comes from a verse found in 1 Corinthians. The verse reads, “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability." People often like to take this verse out of context and run with it, neglecting the second half of the verse. If you look closely, you will see that the next half reads, “but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape”. This means that God will never give you anything that you and he can’t handle TOGETHER. Our way of escape from temptation is found in him! It’s not something we find on our own strength. Therefore, we can find hope in knowing that we serve a God that doesn’t leave us to fight our battles alone. He knows the way out! All we have to do is trust in him and let him guide us to victory.

Notice the first line of 1 Cor. 10:13 which reads, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man." That means that you are not alone in your struggle! Remember that there is no shame in being tempted by sin, even Jesus was tempted while he was here on earth. Sometimes God allows us to be tempted by sin so that we can be reminded of our need for him. What matters isn’t what you are tempted by, it’s how you respond to the temptation. Will you give in? Or will you die unto yourself and your fleshly desires and choose to do things God’s way instead?

Challenge: Read the story of Jesus being tempted in Matthew 4:1-11. Notice how Jesus uses scripture to fight off temptation. Consider what verses you can cling to when you are tempted.